What If My Employer Refuses to Pay for Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Illinois law holds that workers who suffer an injury “arising out of and in the course of” their employment may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In many instances, a capable Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can help you get the benefits you’re owed without significant difficulty — but what if your employer refuses to pay for your benefits?

What If My Employer Disputes My Workers’ Comp Claim?

After receiving notification of your work-related injury, your employer is required to do one or both of the following:

Direct their insurer to start the claims process.

If your work-related injury forced you to miss more than three days of work, your employer must either accept your workers’ compensation claim and begin paying Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments or send you a written explanation of why your claim is being denied.

There is no need to panic if your employer disputes your claim — it simply means that your case will go before an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Both your lawyer and a lawyer for your employer or their insurance company will conduct a trial, and you will testify as a witness. After reviewing the testimony, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission arbitrator will make a decision about your claim.

It’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to be settled before arbitration is necessary, but a capable Illinois workers’ compensation attorney will be willing to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a settlement or an arbitration hearing, and will be willing to go to trial if necessary.

Speak With an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Rubens Kress and Mulholland

If you have been injured at work, you should consult with an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney at Rubens Kress and Mulholland. Rubens Kress and Mulholland has a record of success in workers’ compensation cases, and we are prepared to leverage our experience on your behalf. For a free consultation, contact us online, call 312-201-9640, or toll-free at 866-890-9640.